Old Glory Bank SPAC Merger: A Bold Leap for Crypto-Friendly Banking in 2025
BitcoinWorld Old Glory Bank SPAC Merger: A Bold Leap for Crypto-Friendly Banking in 2025 In a strategic move reshaping the financial landscape, Oklahoma-based Old Glory Bank has announced plans to go public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company. This pivotal development, reported by Bloomberg in early 2025, signals a major evolution for institutions bridging traditional finance and digital assets. Following the completion of this transaction, the entity will operate under the new name OGB Financial and is expected to trade on public markets under the ticker symbol OGB. Old Glory Bank SPAC Merger: A Detailed Breakdown The merger between Old Glory Bank and Digital Asset Acquisition Corp represents a significant milestone. Special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, provide an alternative path to public markets compared to traditional initial public offerings. Consequently, this method has gained notable traction among fintech and cryptocurrency-adjacent firms seeking agility. The deal will see Old Glory Bank transition from a private, crypto-focused entity to a publicly traded company. Subsequently, the newly formed OGB Financial will gain access to substantial capital for expansion. This transaction occurs against a backdrop of increasing regulatory clarity for digital assets in the United States. Moreover, it highlights a growing trend of traditional financial structures adapting to serve the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The bank’s journey from a regional Oklahoma institution to a specialized digital asset bank in 2022 laid the foundational groundwork for this ambitious leap. The Strategic Rationale Behind the SPAC Route Choosing a SPAC merger offers distinct advantages for a niche player like Old Glory Bank. Primarily, it allows for forward-looking financial projections to be shared with potential investors during the deal marketing process. This is particularly crucial for a business operating in the rapidly evolving crypto-banking sector. Furthermore, the process can be executed with more speed and certainty than a conventional IPO, which is often subject to market volatility. The merger partner, Digital Asset Acquisition Corp, is a SPAC specifically formed to target businesses in the blockchain and digital currency space. This alignment of purpose suggests a deep understanding of the target market’s nuances and growth potential. The influx of capital from the merger is anticipated to fuel several key initiatives for OGB Financial: Technology Infrastructure: Enhancing secure digital platforms for custody and transactions. Regulatory Compliance: Scaling operations to meet evolving federal and state frameworks. Geographic Expansion: Potentially extending services beyond its Oklahoma roots. Service Diversification: Developing new products for both retail and institutional crypto clients. Expert Analysis on Market Impact Financial analysts observe that this merger tests the public market’s appetite for hybrid financial models. A successful listing could encourage other regional banks to explore similar digital asset specializations. However, the performance will depend heavily on OGB Financial’s ability to demonstrate sustainable revenue streams and robust risk management. The move also places the bank in direct competition with both established neo-banks and emerging decentralized finance protocols, creating a unique market position. The Evolution from Regional to Crypto-Focused Bank Old Glory Bank’s transformation did not happen overnight. Its 2022 pivot to focus on cryptocurrency services was a deliberate response to a clear market gap. At that time, many traditional banks remained hesitant to engage deeply with digital asset companies due to regulatory uncertainties and operational complexities. By obtaining the necessary approvals and building specialized compliance frameworks, Old Glory Bank positioned itself as a crucial intermediary. The bank’s services likely cater to a range of clients, including: Client Type Potential Banking Needs Crypto Exchanges Fiat on/off ramps, corporate treasury Blockchain Miners Business accounts, financing Digital Asset Funds Custody solutions, cash management Retail Crypto Users Integrated checking/savings accounts This focus on a underserved niche provided a competitive moat and a clear growth narrative for the SPAC merger. The public listing represents the next logical step in scaling this specialized business model to a national or even international audience. Regulatory Landscape and Future Challenges Operating at the intersection of banking and cryptocurrency entails navigating a complex dual regulatory regime. OGB Financial will answer to both traditional banking regulators, like the OCC and FDIC, and financial watchdogs concerned with digital assets, such as the SEC and CFTC. The merger prospectus will need to address these regulatory risks comprehensively to gain investor confidence. Furthermore, the bank’s success is inherently tied to the broader adoption and stability of the cryptocurrency market. Volatility in asset prices, technological shifts, and cybersecurity threats represent ongoing operational challenges. Therefore, the management team’s expertise in both conventional risk management and novel crypto-specific risks will be paramount. The public markets will scrutinize their plans for mitigating these unique exposures. Conclusion The Old Glory Bank SPAC merger to form OGB Financial marks a definitive moment in the maturation of crypto-friendly banking. This transition from a private, niche Oklahoma bank to a publicly listed company validates a growing sector within finance. The move provides capital for growth and increases transparency through public market disclosures. Ultimately, the performance of OGB Financial will serve as a key indicator of mainstream financial markets’ readiness to embrace institutions built for the digital asset era. The success of this bold leap could chart a course for many similar institutions in the coming years. FAQs Q1: What is a SPAC merger? A SPAC merger is a method for a private company to go public. A Special Purpose Acquisition Company, which is a shell company listed on an exchange, merges with a private firm, thereby taking that firm public without going through the traditional IPO process. Q2: Why did Old Glory Bank choose to merge with a SPAC? The SPAC route often provides more speed, certainty, and the ability to share future projections with investors. For a bank in the evolving crypto space, this path offers an efficient way to access public capital markets and fund expansion. Q3: What will change for Old Glory Bank customers after the merger? Initially, customers should experience minimal disruption. The strategic goal is to use the capital from going public to enhance services, improve technology, and potentially expand the range of products offered, all of which would benefit customers in the long term. Q4: What are the main risks for OGB Financial as a public company? Key risks include regulatory changes affecting cryptocurrency, market volatility in digital assets, intense competition from both fintech and traditional banks, and the ongoing need to manage cybersecurity threats associated with digital finance. Q5: How does this merger affect the broader banking industry? This successful public listing could demonstrate a viable model for other small or regional banks to specialize and compete by serving the digital economy, potentially leading to more innovation and choice in crypto-friendly banking services. This post Old Glory Bank SPAC Merger: A Bold Leap for Crypto-Friendly Banking in 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
ElevenLabs ARR Soars: Voice AI Startup Hits Staggering $330 Million in Annual Revenue
BitcoinWorld ElevenLabs ARR Soars: Voice AI Startup Hits Staggering $330 Million in Annual Revenue In a landmark announcement from San Francisco on January 13, 2026, ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski revealed the voice AI startup has crossed a monumental $330 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), signaling a seismic shift in how businesses adopt synthetic voice technology for enterprise applications and creative content. ElevenLabs ARR Growth Demonstrates Unprecedented Market Traction During an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, Staniszewski detailed the company’s remarkable financial trajectory. The startup, founded in 2022 with its first product launching in 2023, achieved its initial $100 million ARR milestone within 20 months. Subsequently, the company reached $200 million ARR in just 10 months, then accelerated to its current $330 million ARR position in a mere five months. This exponential growth curve illustrates not just product-market fit but accelerating enterprise adoption across multiple sectors. Industry analysts note this growth pattern mirrors early trajectories of now-dominant SaaS platforms. “The compression of growth timelines indicates ElevenLabs is solving fundamental business problems,” observes Dr. Anya Sharma, AI Enterprise Adoption Specialist at Stanford University. “When companies move from experimentation to production deployment at this scale, it validates the technology’s core utility.” Voice AI Technology Transforms Enterprise Customer Experience Staniszewski emphasized that both Fortune 500 corporations and emerging startups are implementing ElevenLabs’ voice agent technology. These systems leverage company-specific data and knowledge bases to power sophisticated customer support and customer experience interactions. In a separate X platform post, the company disclosed that enterprise clients have deployed its technology to manage over 50,000 calls monthly, demonstrating substantial operational scale. The technology’s adoption spans multiple verticals: Financial Services: Banks deploy voice agents for personalized customer service Healthcare: Providers use synthetic voices for patient education and appointment management Retail: E-commerce platforms implement voice assistants for enhanced shopping experiences Entertainment: Media companies create multilingual content with consistent brand voices Funding and Valuation Reflect Investor Confidence The company’s financial milestones follow significant capital raises. In June 2025, ElevenLabs secured $180 million in Series C funding co-led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and ICONIQ Growth, achieving a $3.3 billion valuation. Remarkably, just three months later, ICONIQ and previous investor Sequoia Capital invested an additional $100 million to acquire employee shares, effectively doubling the company’s valuation. This rapid revaluation underscores intense investor confidence in the voice AI sector’s long-term potential. Comparative analysis shows ElevenLabs’ valuation growth outpacing similar-stage AI companies: Company Valuation Timeline Sector ElevenLabs $3.3B to $6.6B in 3 months Voice AI Anthropic $4B to $8B in 8 months Foundation Models Stability AI $1B to $2B in 12 months Image Generation Expanding Beyond Voice Generation to Comprehensive Audio Solutions While initially focused on voice synthesis, ElevenLabs has strategically expanded its product portfolio. The company launched music creation capabilities in 2025, positioning itself as a comprehensive audio AI platform. Furthermore, ElevenLabs secured landmark partnerships with entertainment icons including Michael Caine and Matthew McConaughey, licensing their distinctive voices for AI-generated content. These celebrity partnerships represent a significant step toward mainstream acceptance of synthetic media while establishing new revenue streams in entertainment and advertising. The company’s technology stack now encompasses three core pillars: Voice Generation Models: High-fidelity text-to-speech across languages and accents Voice Agent Systems: Enterprise-grade conversational AI for customer interactions Creative Audio Tools: Music and sound effect generation for content creators Market Context and Competitive Landscape ElevenLabs’ announcement arrives during a period of intense activity in the voice AI sector. Competitor Deepgram recently raised $130 million at a $1.3 billion valuation while acquiring a Y Combinator AI startup. Meanwhile, established tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft continue advancing their own voice AI offerings. However, ElevenLabs’ specific focus on high-quality voice synthesis and enterprise applications has carved a distinct market position. The global voice AI market, valued at $13.5 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $49.2 billion by 2029 according to MarketsandMarkets research. This growth is driven by increasing demand for conversational AI in customer service, the proliferation of smart devices, and content creators’ need for scalable audio production tools. ElevenLabs’ revenue figures suggest it has captured significant early market share in this expanding ecosystem. Conclusion ElevenLabs’ achievement of $330 million ARR represents a watershed moment for the voice AI industry. The company’s accelerating growth trajectory, substantial enterprise adoption, and strategic expansion into music and celebrity partnerships demonstrate the broadening applications of synthetic voice technology. As businesses increasingly integrate AI-powered audio solutions into their operations and creative workflows, ElevenLabs’ financial milestone validates voice AI as not merely an emerging technology but a fundamental component of modern digital infrastructure. The startup’s continued innovation will likely shape how humans interact with machines through natural speech for years to come. FAQs Q1: What does ARR mean for ElevenLabs? ARR stands for Annual Recurring Revenue, representing the predictable yearly revenue generated from subscription-based services. ElevenLabs’ $330 million ARR indicates strong, sustainable business growth from enterprise clients. Q2: How does ElevenLabs’ voice AI technology work? The technology uses deep learning models to generate natural-sounding speech from text. It analyzes linguistic patterns, emotional tones, and acoustic characteristics to produce human-like voices that can be customized for different applications. Q3: What industries use ElevenLabs’ technology most? Major adoption comes from customer service sectors, entertainment, education, and healthcare. Fortune 500 companies deploy it for scalable customer interactions while media companies use it for content creation. Q4: How does ElevenLabs ensure ethical use of voice AI? The company implements voice authentication, content moderation, and usage monitoring. Celebrity voice partnerships involve explicit consent and contractual agreements governing appropriate usage. Q5: What differentiates ElevenLabs from other voice AI companies? ElevenLabs focuses specifically on high-quality voice synthesis rather than broader conversational AI. Its rapid enterprise adoption, music generation capabilities, and celebrity partnerships create a unique market position. This post ElevenLabs ARR Soars: Voice AI Startup Hits Staggering $330 Million in Annual Revenue first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Ukraine Blocks Polymarket Over ‘War Bets’ as Global Crackdown Widens
Ukraine has gone ahead to restrict entry into Polymarket, which is further escalating an expanding global crackdown on prediction markets that regulators are increasingly considering to be illegal gambling or derivatives trading. The ruling has drawn fresh scrutiny to the fast-growing crypto platform, raising questions about whether markets tied to real-world events can operate alongside national gambling, financial, and public policy rules, especially on matters involving war and geopolitics. The ban was issued on Dec. 10, 2025, by Ukraine’s National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications under Resolution No. 695. The order requires internet service providers to restrict access to online resources that organize, conduct, or facilitate gambling activities without a valid domestic license. War-Linked Bets Push Ukraine to Ban Polymarket As part of the enforcement, the domain polymarket.com was added to Ukraine’s public register of blocked websites, effectively cutting off access for users inside the country. Local media reported the enforcement on Monday, confirming that the block is now active. Ukrainian officials have pointed to Polymarket’s role in facilitating wagers on geopolitical outcomes linked to Russia’s invasion as a key factor behind the move. While Polymarket does not offer fixed odds like traditional sportsbooks, regulators argue that the distinction is largely technical. The platform allows users to buy and sell shares linked to specific outcomes, with prices reflecting the market’s implied probability. In Ukraine’s view, this structure still constitutes gambling when offered without authorization, especially when the underlying events involve an active military conflict. Polymarket, founded in 2020 by Shane Coplan, has grown into one of the most prominent prediction platforms globally, with an estimated valuation of around $8 billion. All activity on the platform is conducted using the USDC stablecoin on the Polygon blockchain, making transactions and settlements publicly visible. Supporters often point to this transparency as a key difference from offshore betting sites, but regulators across multiple jurisdictions have remained unconvinced. Ukraine’s action places it among a growing list of jurisdictions that have restricted or fully blocked Polymarket. The platform is currently inaccessible in at least 33 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Singapore, Australia, Iran, and Russia. Source: Polymarket In some regions, access is partially restricted, allowing users only to close existing positions while barring new trades. Polymarket’s own documentation attributes these limits to a mix of international sanctions, local gambling laws, financial regulations, and anti-money laundering requirements. Prediction Markets Face Growing Global Crackdown The Ukrainian block also reflects a broader global push to rein in prediction markets as their reach and influence expand. In the United States, scrutiny has intensified in recent weeks. On Jan. 9, the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council issued cease-and-desist letters to Polymarket, Kalshi, and Crypto.com. Tennessee ordered @Kalshi , @Polymarket and @cryptocom to halt sports-related contracts and issue refunds by Jan. 31, 2026. #Crypto #Prediction https://t.co/wYtnlKL94h — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 11, 2026 Regulators accused the platforms of operating unlicensed sports wagering products in violation of state law, despite their registration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as designated contract markets. At the federal level, concerns have extended beyond licensing into questions of public integrity. On Jan. 6, New York Representative Ritchie Torres announced plans to introduce the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026. @RitchieTorres moves to ban officials from trading on prediction markets after $400K Maduro bet. #PredictionMarkets #USPolitics https://t.co/SgGankYd1U — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 6, 2026 The enforcement actions come at a time when Polymarket is attempting to reestablish a foothold in the U.S. market . After exiting the country in 2022 and paying a $1.4 million penalty to settle CFTC allegations, the platform has been testing a limited U.S. exchange following its acquisition of QCX LLC and the securing of a designated contract market license. The post Ukraine Blocks Polymarket Over ‘War Bets’ as Global Crackdown Widens appeared first on Cryptonews .
What’s Going On With Bitcoin And The Stock Market? Analyst Breaks It Down
Bitcoin (BTC) and the stock market have experienced sharp price swings and declines since 2025. Because of this volatility, a crypto analyst has warned that the market correction could intensify further in 2026. In a detailed analysis, he outlines a bearish scenario for Bitcoin, suggesting the flagship cryptocurrency could soon face another price crash amid persistent downward pressure in the broader stock market. Analyst Warns Of Major Bitcoin And Stock Market Plunge Market analyst Doctor Profit has raised concerns about the direction of the crypto and traditional markets, warning that both Bitcoin and stocks are currently in a severe bear market. In a technical breakdown on X this Monday, the expert highlighted three major bearish setups forming simultaneously in Bitcoin. Related Reading: Why The $2.9 Billion Bitcoin Whale Buy Could Spell Doom For The Market He highlighted a massive Bearish Divergence on the weekly and monthly charts, a clear bearish flag signaling a potential drop toward $70,000, and a possible Head and Shoulder pattern that could still play out. While he acknowledged that Bitcoin could still experience short-term price increases and briefly rise toward the $97,000-$107,000 range due to strong liquidity, he said that the ultimate target remains $70,000. Doctor Profit emphasized that Bitcoin’s potential decline to $70,000 could go two ways. It could either break out of the bearish flag to that downside target or complete the Head and Shoulders pattern before reaching $70,000. He stated that he will not add new short positions at current prices but plans to increase them aggressively from $115,000 to $125,000 if Bitcoin moves into the $97,000 to $107,000 range. The analyst painted a similarly grim picture for the stock market. He said he was “ultra-bearish” on both Bitcoin and the financial system. He also noted that the banks are stressed and that forced liquidations in precious metals like Silver are creating ripples across the broader market. Additionally, Doctor Profit noted that insider activity shows clear signs of panic among investors, with record levels of selling since August 2025. Because of this, the analyst believes that the market is heading for a 2008-style crash. Consequently, he has concluded that the current market conditions are too extreme. On the bright side, Doctor Profit said that although he maintains short positions on stocks and Bitcoin, he remains bullish on Gold and Silver. He explained that any upside to the $97,000-$107,000 range will prompt him to increase his short exposure and roll spot profits for BTC from $85,000 into these positions. Crypto Markets Brace For Key US Decisions Toward the end of his analysis, Doctor Profit discussed upcoming events that could influence Bitcoin and the broader financial markets this week. He stated that the US CPI inflation forecast of 2.7% will be released this Tuesday. Other than this, the rest of the week is expected to have few market-moving events. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Hits Crash Line, But This Time Is Not Random Doctor Profit has also highlighted January 15 as an important date because US lawmakers will vote on the CLARITY Act. He explained that if the bill passes, it will move closer to becoming law, setting clear rules and oversight for the crypto market. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com
Bitmine’s Billion-Dollar Ethereum Bet Takes Flight, Here’s How The Company Is Moving Up
Bitmine Immersion Technologies has been making a statement with its assertive accumulation and staking of Ethereum. In just a few months, the company has assembled one of the largest known ETH treasuries held by a publicly traded firm, moving steadily toward its stated ambitious goal of controlling 5% of the total Ethereum supply. According to a recent disclosure, Bitmine is now holding about 4.17 million Ethereum (ETH) tokens, which is about 3.45% of the total circulating supply. Furthermore, the company’s total staked ETH tally has now surpassed 1.2 million tokens. Heavy Stakes And A Clear Target Bitmine is now the largest fresh money buyer of ETH in the world, and its string of ETH purchases has kept many Ethereum investors on the edge of their seats on how this might affect the price of the altcoin. Bitmine Immersion has funneled about $3.9 billion worth of Ethereum into staking under the leadership of Tom Lee, a move that shows conviction in ETH’s long-term prospects and the company’s desire to generate yield for its investors. Notably, the company’s total staked ETH tally has now surpassed 1.2 million tokens, bringing it close to 70 percent of the way toward its self-proclaimed “Alchemy of 5%” target of owning 5% of all Ethereum in circulation. Bitmine’s approach to staking is starting to be much more than passive yield. The company is preparing to launch its own Made in America Validator Network (MAVAN), which it says will be among the largest ETH staking infrastructures in the ecosystem once live. This means Bitmine is now looking to transition from simply holding and staking Ether through third parties to becoming a staking infrastructure provider. If all of Bitmine’s staked ETH were managed through MAVAN and its partners at current rates, Ethereum staking fees could generate about $370 million for the company. Growing The Balance Sheet To Sustain Ethereum Accumulation Bitmine’s balance sheet extends well past its staking operations. The company now holds a diversified pool of assets spanning Bitcoin, Ethereum, other digital assets, and cash, with total holdings valued at around $14 billion, including its just over 4 million ETH. Interestingly, the company has continued to add to its holdings in recent weeks, even as it increases its liquid cash position. The most recent purchase was of 24,266 ETH last week. At the same time, the company made a corporate decision that it says is critical to sustaining this strategy of steadily accumulating more Ethereum tokens. Notably, Bitmine is now seeking a positive 50.1% shareholder vote to increase its authorized share count at its upcoming annual stockholder meeting scheduled for January 15, 2026. According to the company, the current authorization of 500 million shares is close to being fully utilized, and once that limitation is reached, its ability to continue acquiring Ethereum at the current pace would slow down massively.
Czech central bank breaks new ground by adding crypto to reserves
Central banks around the world have been exploring the idea of adding cryptocurrency to their balance sheets in the past year. The Czech Republic’s Czech National Bank (CNB) became the first to do so in late 2025. In mid-November of 2025, the Czech Republic’s central bank officially became the first in the world to directly purchase cryptocurrency. This experimental investment by the Czech National Bank, which rang to the tune of $1 million, marked a monumental step forward in the global adoption of cryptocurrencies by nation-states. In a press release by the CNB regarding the matter, they stated, “The CNB has created a test portfolio of digital assets based on blockchain. In addition to Bitcoin, the portfolio will include a test investment in the form of a USD stablecoin and a tokenized deposit on the blockchain.” This decision by the CNB was made on the heels of growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by different corporations and hedge funds internationally. Their goal in this action by the Czech central bank is to be adequately prepared for the rapidly changing global financial landscape. Potential future digital asset adoption by Central Banks The rising U.S. National deficit has become a growing concern for many central banks across the world. The U.S. Dollar remains the global reserve currency, yet many countries have become weary of its instability and are thus seeking to diversify their balance sheets away from it in preparation for what the future may bring. Looming global financial uncertainty has typically led central banks to stockpile precious metals like gold and silver as one of the primary vessels for diversification. However, considering the mass adoption and legitimization of cryptocurrency in recent years, many central banks have been eyeing digital assets like Bitcoin as a new kind of safeguard. Both the Central Bank of Brazil and Taiwan have reportedly been discussing the idea of moving forward with adding Bitcoin to their balance sheet, although nothing has been finalized yet. Legislation has also been introduced in the Philippines that proposes their central bank begin strategically buying a fixed amount of Bitcoin over the next five years. Currently, the European Central Bank has expressed opposition to the idea of buying cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. This is mainly due to concerns over the volatility of the asset class. Alternatively, they have controversially been laying down the framework to release a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), showing their faith in the potential of blockchain technology itself. The United States has been one of the primary countries leading the charge for the legitimization of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies under the Trump Administration. The White House has already moved forward with plans for a Government Strategic U.S. Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile. Despite this, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank under Chairman Jerome Powell remains largely opposed to the idea of adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet. Powell’s term as chair is over in May of 2026, which could mean a shift in this sentiment towards cryptocurrencies, depending on who is selected by Trump to take his place. The Trump Administration has been very pro-crypto thus far, so there is a high likelihood that whoever is appointed as the next Fed chair would be aligned with the administration’s position on the asset class. The case for Central Banks to purchase Bitcoin Deutsche Bank published a report in late September of 2025 that discussed a potential future in 2030 where both gold and Bitcoin could coexist as fundamental central bank reserve assets. The report cites that both assets serve as strong investments due to properties such as scarcity and high liquidity, as well as “limited correlation to traditional assets.” It also concludes that de-dollarization poses a strong use case for BTC, as a weakening dollar has led to growing investment. Increasing regulatory clarity and institutional interest in Bitcoin have gradually made governments more interested in the asset’s economic potential as well. Coingecko reports that currently, 35 countries have Bitcoin treasury holdings as of January 2026. As global Bitcoin adoption has grown over the years among corporations, governments, and retail investors alike, its annual volatility continues to decrease as well. Between 2020 and late 2025, the annualized price volatility of Bitcoin has dropped from roughly 80% to 50%. If these trends continue, central banks and governments around the world may be more inclined to add BTC to their balance sheets as it becomes more common and less risky for them to do so. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
CZ Warns Crypto Traders: Following His Jokes to Meme Coins Is a Path to Losses
Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has issued a blunt warning to cryptocurrency traders, stating that purchasing meme coins inspired by his informal social media posts will almost certainly result in financial loss. His comments, made in a post on X on January 13, highlighted a persistent issue of speculative mania in crypto, where casual remarks from influential figures are misinterpreted as investment signals. The Risks of Turning Jokes into Investments In the post, CZ clarified that his random, often “stupid not-so-funny jokes” are not conceived as meme coin concepts. “I just tweet as I do… not thinking about memes (most of the time),” he wrote. The warning follows a pattern where developers instantly launch tokens linked to offhand comments from prominent personalities, creating risky assets with little substance. It sparked a wave of reactions across Crypto Twitter, with some users mocking the behavior of traders who rush into joke-based tokens, while others questioned Binance’s own role in meme coin culture. One reply pointed to past listings, asking whether Binance had previously listed a meme coin tied to Zhao’s dog. Several commentators took a broader view. For instance, Onramp Money cautioned that turning jokes into “financial advice” through instant token launches almost always leads to losses and urged traders to do their own research. Another user said some networks have actively pushed meme projects to lift transaction activity, even when it meant retail traders would likely be hurt. The discussion also sparked a debate about the quality and cultural foundation of meme projects. Some community members argue that the core issue is a lack of support for organic, community-driven meme coins with genuine narratives. User 0xMo.eth suggested that BNB Chain leadership should support “real, organic meme coins that are building genuine communities, not just chasing short-term trends.” This criticism is not new. Back on January 8, BNB Chain supporter Hinata expressed a wish for Binance leadership to develop a deeper understanding of meme culture, noting that many listed meme coins “lack a real story, character, or narrative,” causing them to quickly lose value after initial interest. A Pattern of Hype, Losses, and Trust Issues Zhao’s post landed at a time when meme coins are regaining attention. As CryptoPotato reported last week, retail interest returned alongside ETF headlines and short-term market news, with assets like Dogecoin (DOGE) benefiting from structured products tied to its price. Whale activity has also increased , especially around FLOKI, PEPE, and Shiba Inu (SHIB), where large transactions and social chatter have moved prices quickly. While enthusiasm is back, recent incidents underline the risks associated with the asset class. In early January, a low-liquidity meme coin on Binance experienced extreme volatility linked to suspicious trading behavior, allowing a skilled trader to profit while others were whipsawed. Furthermore, in December 2025, hackers used a compromised social account belonging to Binance co-CEO Yi He to promote a meme coin, resulting in a pump-and-dump that earned scammers about $55,000. The post CZ Warns Crypto Traders: Following His Jokes to Meme Coins Is a Path to Losses appeared first on CryptoPotato .
UAE proptech platform PRYPCO brings real estate tokenization model to Georgia
The UAE, through its own governmental technology advancements and private entities regulated within the country, is exporting its know-how to countries across the globe. This time, it is with Georgia, which will use the experience of PRYPCO, the UAE PropTech and real estate tokenization platform, to create its own compliant framework for real estate tokenization. PRYPCO, through its subsidiary PRYPCO Mint, the first licensed real estate tokenization platform in the UAE, had partnered with Dubai Land Department, VARA ( Dubai’s Virtual Regulatory Authority), and Ctrl Alt Blockchain to tokenize ownership certificates, with its first tokenized certificate attracting 224 investors from over 40 nationalities, with an average investment amount of $2900. Since then, it has listed several tokenized real estate projects, which have all been well received. Now, PRYPCO has signed an MOU with the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. The MoU signing took place in the presence of H.E. Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia, and H.E. Paata Salia, Minister of Justice of Georgia, alongside their delegation, and PRYPCO’s Founder and CEO, Amira Sajwani, together with the PRYPCO leadership team. PRYPCO and Georgia’s Ministry of Justice to develop real estate tokenization According to the announcement, both parties, PRYPCO and Georgia’s Ministry of Justice, will explore, develop, and implement an innovative real estate tokenization initiative in Georgia. Georgia seeks to modernize its real estate processes and improve investor confidence as well as position the country as a progressive, innovation-friendly jurisdiction for digital investment and futuristic property infrastructure. Under the MoU, PRYPCO and the Ministry of Justice of Georgia will work together to promote legal and technological innovation across the real estate sector, enhance regulatory clarity, and encourage both domestic and international investment. They will also support the secure, transparent, and compliant tokenization or digitization of real estate-related rights and interests in accordance with Georgian laws and regulations. Amira Sajwani, Founder and CEO of PRYPCO, noted that PRYPCO is laying the groundwork for a responsive and compliant approach to real estate tokenization in Georgia. She believes that this will unlock new opportunities for global investors participating. She noted, “Georgia’s openness to innovation and its forward-looking policy mindset make it a natural partner as PRYPCO continues to expand its international government collaboration strategy.” His Excellency Paata Salia, Minister of Justice, Georgia added, “This cooperation with PRYPCO represents an important step in Georgia’s efforts to modernize its real estate and legal infrastructure. By exploring innovative approaches such as real estate tokenization within a clear regulatory framework, we aim to increase confidence in Georgia as a secure and progressive investment environment.” In 2025, PRYPCO closed a pre-Series A round for an undisclosed value led by General Catalyst and noted that the funding would be used to expand its footprint across MENA and beyond. The agreement today is a representation of this expansion strategy. It also showcases the UAE’s strategy to share its expertise in virtual assets, tokenization, and blockchain with the world. In 2025, the UAE offered guidance to Pakistan on virtual assets, tokenization, and blockchain, involving private-sector leaders from DAMAC and Binance. Soon after, Binance and Pakistan signed an MoU to explore the tokenization of up to $2 billion in sovereign bonds, T-bills, and commodity reserves. Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.